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The summer holidays are almost here which makes it the perfect time to stock up on books for the holidays! There are so many fantastic children’s books publishing at the moment, I was spoilt for choice this month. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured.

Picture books

Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant, illustrated by Lydia Corry (OUP)

More than anything Billy wishes his swash-buckling, sea-loving mums would be normal and a bit less piratey. However, when disaster strikes on Billy’s school trip out to sea, his mum’s nautical knowledge might just save the day. My son adores this story and recently asked me to read it to him three times in a row. This is a funny adventure story that also celebrates same sex families.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9780192777799

The Way To Treasure Island by Lizzy Stewart (Frances Lincoln)

Matilda and her Dad are very different, but together they have the most brilliant adventure searching for Treasure Island. This is a gorgeous story about the joy of imagination and discovery.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9780711243927

What If Pig? By Linzie Hunter (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Lovely Pig decides to throw a party for all of his friends, but after he sends out his invitations he starts to worry. What if no one comes? Or worse, what if everyone comes and they have an awful time? Luckily Pig’s friends are there to help him realise that everyone worries sometimes. This fantastic book is full of bright artwork, plenty of humour and has a really sweet message about the importance of sharing your worries with your friends.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9780008409500

Young fiction

Bad Panda written by Swapna Haddow, illustrated by Sheena Dempsey (Faber & Faber)

This is a hilarious story about Lin, who everyone thinks is the cutest panda in the zoo. But Lin HATES being cute and will do anything she can to prove she is bad, mean and completely un-cute. With illustrations throughout, Bad Panda is perfect for newly confident readers.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9780571352418

Freddie’s Amazing Bakery: The Sticky Café Race written by Harriet Whitehorn, illustrated by Alex G Griffiths (Oxford Children’s)

Freddie is the best baker in town. Together with his friends, he can’t wait to race in the Belville Rally. But rival Bernard is so desperate to finish first, he will go to any lengths to win. Can Freddie put a stop to his cheating ways?

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9780192772046

44 Tiny Chefs by Sylvia Bishop and Ashley King (Little Tiger)

Betsy is thrilled when her dad’s bakery is asked to make cakes for the Royal Gala. But then disaster strikes – can she find a way to save the day? 44 Tiny Chefs has artwork throughout.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9781788952569

Middle Grade fiction

The Great Food Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Rauf (Barrington Stoke)

On Thursday, Nelson and his family always head to the food bank. But someone is stealing the food leaving people hungrier than ever. Can Nelson and his friends catch the food bank robber before the shelves are completely bare? Barrington Stoke specialises in books for struggling and reluctant readers.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9781781129623

Our Beautiful Game by Lou Kuenzler (Faber & Faber)

All Polly wants to do is kick a ball about, but with her brother fighting in the trenches, but as a working-class girl, she’s expected to stay home and help her mother. This is an inspiring story based on the lives of real girls during the second world war.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9780571365005

Maria’s Island by Victoria Hislop, illustrated by Gill Smith (Walker Books)

Maria lives in a Cretan village, just opposite from the island of Spinalonga where a leper colony is based. She doesn’t know much about leprosy until her mother and best friend contract the disease and are sent to the colony. A few years later, Maria catches it too and is sent to the island as well. This is a powerful story about love, stigma and hope written by the best-selling author of The Island.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9781406399073

Young Adult Fiction

Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll (Knights Of)

Cora isn’t looking for a new friend when she meets Adrian, but neither of them is like anyone else they’ve ever met. They become firm friends and Adrian’s Dad introduces Cora to the mysterious Pomegranate Institute. Cora is fascinated by the hologram technology being developed there, but as she learns more, she uncovers a dark side. Can she make her voice heard and stay true to herself?

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9781913311131

What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson (Penguin Books)

Ava and Jack try to stay away from each other. They’re both hiding dangerous secrets, both desperate, both trying to stay safe. But their stories are tangled up with each other and the consequences are deadly. This is a gripping thriller about love and family.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9780241441718

The Valentines: Love Me Not by Holly Smale (HarperCollins)

This is the final story in the Valentines trilogy about a group of famous siblings. Party girl Mercy is sharp, sarcastic and losing control. Can she stop herself from self-sabotaging the chance of something real with new guy Finn? Perfect if you want a summer read packed with drama and romance.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9780008393526

Non-fiction

Good News: Why The World Is Not As Bad As You Think written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Adam Hayes (Wren & Rook)

Good News: Why The World Is Not As Bad As You Think is packed full of optimistic stories from around the world about positive developments in everything from health to robots! The facts in this book are full of hope and kept my son fascinated. It is a wonderful an antidote when the news seems to be all bad.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9781526363381

Exploding Beetles & Inflatable Fish: A World of Animal Weirdness by Sam Quigley (Macmillan Children’s)

Packed full of weird and wonderful facts about the animal kingdom, (including animals who eat their own poo and beetles that explode like toxic water pistols), my six-year-old was completely fascinated and couldn’t put it down!

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9780753445808

Climate Action: The Future Is In Our Hands by Georgina Stevens and Katie Rewse (Little Tiger)

This is a beautifully illustrated book all about climate change, from the causes and how it is affecting our world, to positive stories from people taking action. I especially love that one book will be planted for every book sold in the UK.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/5045/9781838911614

Why not PIN this Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for July 2021

A mum of two, Naomi Jones spent eight years working for Children’s Publishers in London and is now a children’s author and freelance editor. Her debut picture book, The Perfect Fit, published in March 2021.